Soldiers Rescue Women, Children Caged By Boko Haram

The Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, has
said troops of the Nigerian military have recovered some women and
children, who were locked up by insurgents in Gwoza.

Olukolade said the hostages were being given medical attention and
necessary care by troops pending the arrival of emergency agencies in
the area.

He said some of the freed hostages were providing useful information
to troops on the activities of the militants.

The military spokesman said, "A number of women, the elderly and
children, who were locked up by fleeing terrorists in Gwoza, have been
freed by troops as cordon and search along with mopping up operations
continue in the town.

"The freed hostages, some of whom are so weak, are being given medical
attention while others are also receiving necessary care pending the
arrival and activities of aid agencies.

"Some of them are also providing useful information for the
intelligence in aid of troops operations in the area."

He stated also that the troops also discovered a building converted by
insurgents to a bomb making factory.

He explained that the factory was used for the purpose of the
production of Improvised Explosive Devices.

According to him, the military has embarked on a careful evacuation
of the dangerous materials stored in the building.

He said troops were also evacuating land mines that were planted in
various parts of the town.

He added that the Boko Haram insurgents blew up bridges and burnt
buildings including the palace of the Emir of Gwoza.

Olukolade said the troops found a large number of rifles and arms
abandoned by the insurgents when troops were advancing on the town.
--PUNCH